The gridiron at Detroit Renaissance High School’s sparkling athletic complex was a field of dreams for young players and an environment for reflection for Detroit Lions rookies playing the combined roles of coaches and mentors.
It was a joyous and spirited setting Thursday for both groups in the second annual clinic, put on in partnership with the Lions and Detroit Police Athletic League.
Linebacker Jarrad Davis, the Lions’ first-round pick, summed up how he once was at the same stage as the kids going through drills.
“This is the root of the dream,” Davis said.
For the Lions rookies, the clinic is the last event in the annual rookie transition program before they take their offseason break until the start of training camp in late July.